We all know how many debates there have been about which is the superior wheelsize. Thing is, I don't understand why one has to be better/worse? Each has its advantages and disadvantages/limitations. Personally, I think a choice of three wheel sizes is a fantastic development. I happen to ride 29ers, because 1) they suit the type of riding I do; 2) I'm tall enough; and 3) I can afford decent specs for a lightweight build. That said, I believe that advocates of wagon wheels are particularly guilty of trying to prove their wheels' size superior. Maybe some residual defensive behaviour due to all the resistance/ridicule faced in the early days of 29ers? I dunno why, but it is just what I see. Okay, so bigger wheels run smoother, it is true. Less bumpiness and an overall more stable bike. However 29" wheels are only suitable for hardtails and short travel duallies, i.e. XC and light trail duty. Only ride a 9er if you are tall enough. Yes, some really short people ride them (and claim to enjoy it), but come on be realistic! Entry-level 29ers should be discontinued at once. Any advantages you could possibly gain from big wheels are obliterated by the immense weight of the bike and those enormous wheels. Lightweight cheap wheels are a bad idea too - how many 29er Alex rim tacos have been reported on the Hub? The 650b size category really is a great idea. Some think it merely a compromise offering 29er advantages to a lesser degree, but also having fewer of the disadvantages (or to a lesser extent). This is true, but smaller wheels also mean that more travel is possible, so 650b works for anything from a hardtail to a downhill bike. I'm worried about, what looks like, the imminent demise of 26ers. So many companies have stopped making them. There never was anything wrong with 26" wheels. They are great for kids who've outgrown their 24" bikes. (29er fanatics, will your children graduate from 24" to 29" bikes in one go???). If you are on a tight budget, buying a 26er is still the way to go. Opting for any bigger wheelsize means that you'll have to spend quite a bit more if you want a bike of the same weight and strength as offered by a humble 26er. I apologise for the lengthy post, everyone still awake? My point is just this: mountainbiking as a sport benefits from having all of these wheel sizes to choose from. The mountainbiking community (young, old, short, tall, XC, downhill) is diverse and we NEED diverse options to accommodate all body types and all riding styles. So, why are fighting amongst ourselves?
